Hundreds of homes for Dudley Port under garden city vision

Canalside developments and transformation of former industrial sites form ambitious proposals for a huge regeneration of the Dudley Port area over the coming years.

Dudley Port train station would receive significant investment to become a transport interchange, combining train, metro and rail services.

Bus lanes and cycle lanes would also be added to main road in an effort to encourage sustainable travel and cut emissions.

A blueprint for the future of the area has been revealed by Sandwell Council.

Sites for more than 600 new homes have been identified at Groveland Road, Newcomen Drive, off Coneygree Road, and a former brick clay works off Temple Way, as well as a canalside residential development at Lower City Road.

Transport chiefs are also keen to bring in bus lanes along the A461 Dudley Port and cycle lanes on both Dudley Port and Birmingham Road.

Dudley Port train station would become a transport hub, with new Metro services passing through as part of the line extension.

The condition of canal towpaths and access would also be improved.

The area was earmarked last year for possible garden city development to try and meet huge demand for housing.

Experts said transport links in the Dudley Port area as well as the availably of sites for housing made it ideal for the garden city vision.

Residents are being encouraged to have their say over the proposals over the next few weeks.

Sandwell Council's regeneration boss Councillor Paul Moore said: “The Dudley Port area has been identified as a key area for growth due to its effective existing connections and the opportunities for new housing and job opportunities.

“This is an excellent report which looks at the long-term proposals to improve housing, job prospects and the bus, train and car links through the area.

“Local residents, businesses and community groups have been given the opportunity to study the proposals and been invited to make comments on the ideas in the report.”

West Bromwich West MP Adrian Bailey, whose constituency includes Dudley Port, said the plans would be a huge boost for the area.

He said: "Anything that improves our housing stock and relieves us of pressure is to be welcomed. Investment in the area which creates jobs is something I would be very pleased about.

"I want to examine the plans in detail but in principle they are very welcome."

The report can be viewed and commented on at www.sandwell.gov.uk/dudleyport